RAF 14 Sqn Blenheim Z5863 (15 Apr 1941)
 

Hello

I wonder if anyone has any information on a crew member of this aircraft (Mk IV Z5863) that failed to return from a mission.


The mission was a 2 ship Blennie Halfayah (Helffire pass)
They had to land at Ma'aten Bagush en route for further orders then on to target .
Only one Blennie made it back to Ma'aten Bagush.

The crew
PO Ian Ormiston (KIA)
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg...&GSln=ormiston
Sergeant Allan Hugh Fraser (KIA)
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg...&GRid=18971110
Sergeant E Smith - (POW)

I am to date unable to track down any history on Smith, who is listed as POW but no other information. (Nationality/Service no/fate?)

A photograph taken by a German soldier recently surfaced showing the wrecked tail section of the aircraft which has tweaked some interest.

If anyone has any further info on the flight or Sgt Smith it would be appreciated.
Thanks

Re: RAF 14 Sqn Blenheim Z5863 (15 Apr 1941)
 

Hello,

I can tell you that the airman you're seeking is; 905141 Sgt Edward James SMITH RAF (Thanks Simon). He is mentioned in the same Casualty Communique in Flight magazine of June 12, 1941, as P/O I Ormiston and Sgt A H Fraser RNZAF. Smith was held at Campo 337 (Dulag 339), Mantua, Italy at some time. Where he ended up, I have no idea. RAFCommands POW Listing does not mention a POW number. He was initially listed as Missing, later as, Previously Reported Missing, Now Reported Prisoner of War.

Sgt Allan Hugh FRASER, is, actually, NZ402242 (previously A402242) Sgt (Observer) Allan Hugh Lovatt FRASER RNZAF. P/O Ormiston and Sgt Fraser RNZAF, were originally buried in isolated graves near Salum, and later reinterred in a joint grave at Halfaya Sollum

Col.

Re: RAF 14 Sqn Blenheim Z5863 (15 Apr 1941)
 

ME Bomber losses has the following:Took off Heliopolis on a reconnaissance of Halfaya-Sollum but FTR. Sgt Smith,wounded, managed to bail out. The others are interred in the Halfaya Sollum cemetery.

Re: RAF 14 Sqn Blenheim Z5863 (15 Apr 1941)
 

COl Bruggy and Kaki3152, thank you so very much for this information.
I really appreciate this.

I was able to track Ormiston and Fraser, now some more to go on with Smith thanks to the info you have provided.

Kind regards
V

Re: RAF 14 Sqn Blenheim Z5863 (15 Apr 1941)
 

Nothing in the D.A.K. war diary which quite often notes air claims.

https://rommelsriposte.com/2016/04/2...15-april-1941/

But this indicates the increasing activity in the border area, which may have been a reason for the recce.

All the best

Andreas

Re: RAF 14 Sqn Blenheim Z5863 (15 Apr 1941)
 

Thank you Andreas